The Vatican’s formal repudiation of colonial-era concepts that legitimized the seizure of Indigenous lands marked a symbolic step forward on Thursday, but its impact on modern policy will be the true measure of change, say Indigenous leaders.
The Doctrine of Discovery, a set of theories backed by 15th-century papal bulls, continues to form the foundation of some property law today.
A Vatican statement said the 15th-century papal bulls, or decrees, “did not adequately reflect the equal dignity and rights of Indigenous peoples” and have never been considered expressions of the Catholic faith.
“On the surface it sounds good, it looks good … but there has to
